Event to mark Eagle Island historic status

HARPSWELL — The Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation, and Forestry is hosting a free celebration Saturday, July 25, of Eagle Island’s designation as a national historic landmark.

The island, which houses the summer home of Arctic explorer Adm. Robert Peary, was designated a national historic landmark last October. The designation is the highest the U.S. Department of the Interior awards for historic sites.

The noon-2 p.m. program will include a talk by the director of the Bowdoin Arctic Museum, guided tours of Peary’s house and the island, and the presentation of a commemorative plaque.

Eagle Island can only be reached by boat. Free moorings, anchorages, and a water taxi will be provided for those who wish to use their own boats.

For others, two charter boat companies will also be running trips to the island. The Marie L will leave Dolphin Marina in South Harpswell at 10 a.m. and noon, and charge $35 for adults and $15 for children. Atlantic Seal Cruise boats will leave Freeport at 9:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m., and cost $35 for adults and $25 for children.